Atheist Nexus2018-05-24T18:31:24ZAnnie Thomashttp://atheistnexus.org/profile/AnnieThomashttp://api.ning.com:80/files/jNHMA3JwucbC9XPiEuP0svUzg-kyPR35s4ri2sVEAXxlDg6bdNckfqmUmxVfTKeFDUTqQgUAqRr084S8Ggkp1NW0lZ-eziWF/France5130.jpg?width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1http://atheistnexus.org/group/godlessinthegarden/forum/topic/listForContributor?user=0w58j1nvfozo3&feed=yes&xn_auth=noHomestead Automation: Automating the Chickshaw Part 1tag:atheistnexus.org,2017-08-16:2182797:Topic:27609282017-08-16T16:14:11.059ZAnnie Thomashttp://atheistnexus.org/profile/AnnieThomas
<h1 class="watch-title-container"><span class="font-size-4"><a href="https://youtu.be/GYCpau3lUns" target="_blank">Homestead Automation: Automating the Chickshaw Part 1</a></span></h1>
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<h1 class="watch-title-container"><span class="font-size-4"><a href="https://youtu.be/GYCpau3lUns" target="_blank">Homestead Automation: Automating the Chickshaw Part 1</a></span></h1>
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</div> Permaculture thinking and skills for youthtag:atheistnexus.org,2017-08-05:2182797:Topic:27590512017-08-05T02:33:00.939ZAnnie Thomashttp://atheistnexus.org/profile/AnnieThomas
<p><a href="%3Cdiv%20style="></a></p>
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<p><a href="%3Cdiv%20style="><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yILjy2LjKtk?ecver=2&amp;wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""><a href="%3Cdiv%20style="></a><a href="%3Cdiv%20style="></a><a href="%3Cdiv%20style=">" target="_blank"&gt;Permaculture thinking and skills for youth</a><p></p>
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</a></p> Hope in the Middle of Big Agtag:atheistnexus.org,2017-08-02:2182797:Topic:27587582017-08-02T18:05:10.424ZAnnie Thomashttp://atheistnexus.org/profile/AnnieThomas
<p>The Rhodes family drive through miles, and miles, and miles of corn fields and find this very special food forest, filled with all kinds of trees, animals, and activities. This is a story of permaculture partnership and the quality of life they have. </p>
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<p>The Rhodes family drive through miles, and miles, and miles of corn fields and find this very special food forest, filled with all kinds of trees, animals, and activities. This is a story of permaculture partnership and the quality of life they have. </p>
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</div> Cows, Carbon and Climate | Joel Salatin | TEDxCharlottesvilletag:atheistnexus.org,2017-08-02:2182797:Topic:27585902017-08-02T03:00:16.052ZAnnie Thomashttp://atheistnexus.org/profile/AnnieThomas
<p><a href="https://youtu.be/4Z75A_JMBx4" target="_blank">Cows, Carbon and Climate | Joel Salatin | TEDxCharlottesville</a></p>
<p>Joel Salatin is the granddaddy of permaculture with live stock. He is the "go-to" person when a rancher has a question. even the people who have the big bison ranch refer to him. </p>
<p>I like his enthusiasm about ranching. …</p>
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<p><a href="https://youtu.be/4Z75A_JMBx4" target="_blank">Cows, Carbon and Climate | Joel Salatin | TEDxCharlottesville</a></p>
<p>Joel Salatin is the granddaddy of permaculture with live stock. He is the "go-to" person when a rancher has a question. even the people who have the big bison ranch refer to him. </p>
<p>I like his enthusiasm about ranching. </p>
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/tnM2H69Ixd2ol41pktfcqwfisJ8yw8My714cE*PmFK1LFG8lfQvUpO9HBGzgnGWx2lw-Xb*r8e8k6-2mih26oYtQ8-9gafwN/ScreenShot20170801at7.57.49PM.png" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/tnM2H69Ixd2ol41pktfcqwfisJ8yw8My714cE*PmFK1LFG8lfQvUpO9HBGzgnGWx2lw-Xb*r8e8k6-2mih26oYtQ8-9gafwN/ScreenShot20170801at7.57.49PM.png?width=550" width="550" class="align-full"/></a></p> DIY Green House and a Chicken Coop?tag:atheistnexus.org,2017-07-21:2182797:Topic:27567932017-07-21T19:41:30.873ZAnnie Thomashttp://atheistnexus.org/profile/AnnieThomas
<div style="xg-p: relative; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe width="600" height="300" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AJhzJHzHFcE?list=PLtrwB-pO5i-FMS0SqXPIsRew6NADeX4oD%3Fecver%3D2&amp;wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
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</div> Cover crops: Gabe Browntag:atheistnexus.org,2017-07-19:2182797:Topic:27568282017-07-19T21:07:57.154ZAnnie Thomashttp://atheistnexus.org/profile/AnnieThomas
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2IURGFk5Yw&amp;t=236s#t=2874.672768043" target="_blank">2017 Dave Brandt Field Day - Gabe Brown</a></p>
<p>I understand this video is about commercial farming, however, the principle of having cover crops on your soil at all times is the issue with which I am concerned. </p>
<p>I was born in Whitman County, N.E. Washington state where my family had farms on the rolling loesse hills covered with wheat, oats, peas, and lentiles during the growing…</p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2IURGFk5Yw&amp;t=236s#t=2874.672768043" target="_blank">2017 Dave Brandt Field Day - Gabe Brown</a></p>
<p>I understand this video is about commercial farming, however, the principle of having cover crops on your soil at all times is the issue with which I am concerned. </p>
<p>I was born in Whitman County, N.E. Washington state where my family had farms on the rolling loesse hills covered with wheat, oats, peas, and lentiles during the growing season, the ground is deeply tilled and left bare for the water and wind to erode it away. Erosion was one problem they faced, another was dead soil. The tops of the rolling hills had no top-soil left, only bare subsoils which have low growth.</p>
<p>Both of my grandmothers had vegetable and fruit gardens, which were lush with all kinds of green growth, then turned with a tiller and left bare for the winter. </p>
<p>Everyone farmed and gardened this way for generations. The bunch grass was first broken in the 1870s when a flood of settlers came into Whitman Co. and started farming with horse and plow. My cousins changed to no-till farming after we graduated from college. The USDA and WA State College, a land grant college, started making the changes after they completed their Ag. training. Even my grandmothers were influenced by the no-till, using cover crops, and mulching after this change. </p>
<p>Now, to gardens, </p>
<p>1) leave no bare soil, it needs what is called armor to protect the soil life, including worms, bacteria, and fungi. </p>
<p>2) use <a href="http://www.homesteadandgardens.com/list-nitrogen-fixing-plants/" target="_blank">nitrogen fixing plants</a> for ground cover, These produce nitrogen in the soil and their cuttings make good mulch. </p>
<p>3) use mycorrhizal fungi, they help solubolize (<span>the</span><span> </span><span>process</span><span> of </span><span>incorporating</span><span> </span><span>the</span><span> solubilizate (the </span><span>component</span><span> </span><span>that</span><span> undergoes solublization) into or </span><span>onto</span><span> </span><a title="Micelle">micelles</a>), phosphorus, and bring soil nutrients (phosphorus, nitrogen, micronutrients, and perhaps water) to the plant. [It is similar to making a solution out of a mineral].</p>
<p>4) use well composted "brown" (animal manure) and "green" (plants) manure. I keep bins of each in my garden and empty them every year in the spring. </p>
<p>5) do not use chemical fertilizers or weed killers or fungicides of any kind, they are too potent, tend to kill worms, soil organisms, and friendly fungi and bacteria. Learn how to use organic methods of <a href="https://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/garden/plant-diseases-and-disorders" target="_blank">organic disease control</a> and <a href="http://eartheasy.com/grow_nat_pest_cntrl.htm" target="_blank">Natural pest control</a>. I have used <a href="http://www.gardensalive.com" target="_blank">Gardens Alive</a> for at least 20 years, if not 40 years and am totally satisfied with their products. Whether in the garden or kitchen, these pest and disease products work. </p>
<p>6) use <a href="https://richsoil.com/diatomaceous-earth.jsp" target="_blank">Diatomaceous Earth (food grade): bug killer you can eat!</a> Food grade is a bit more costly, but you can eat produce that has D.E. on it, it doesn't harm mammals, it is effective, and is available in most hardware and garden stores. It is cheaper than other alternatives. </p>
<p>7) use worms to till your vegetable and flower garden. They work day and night, year around, and you don't have to do anything to keep them working on your team. I use a worm farm to get a supply, then add it to my compost as I spread my well composted green or brown manure.</p>
<p>8) use insects to control disease and pests. They do fly away to other gardens, to be killed by insecticides, but many stay home if there are insects to eat. I discovered that my roses were free of aphids for 4 years after I brought in a package of lady bugs. The pests disappeared and so did the lady bugs. I suspect the good bugs hand around and check back in, perhaps. I have used <a href="http://www.gardeners.com/how-to?folder=articles-about-pests-diseases" target="_blank">Gardener's Supply Company</a> for at least 20 years for information and products. I have never been disappointed!</p>
<p>9) use <a href="http://squarefootgardening.org/square-foot-gardening-method" target="_blank">Square Food Gardening</a>, if you are new at gardening or read the material for ideas</p>
<p>10) use <a href="http://www.countryfarm-lifestyles.com/permaculture.html#.WW_F_saZPwc" target="_blank">Permaculture</a> strategies. You don't have to live on a farm to learn the principles and Permaculture. </p>
<p>My Permaculture garden in the city grows on a garden 50' x 100'.</p> Geodesic Dome Greenhousestag:atheistnexus.org,2017-07-12:2182797:Topic:27557112017-07-12T23:34:40.297ZAnnie Thomashttp://atheistnexus.org/profile/AnnieThomas
<p>We are consideting buying a geodesic dome greenhouse kit. I looked for that as a topic here and could not find it. Mostly, it's questions for Joan although anyone with knowledge can chime in or discuss. Please do!</p>
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<p>Joan, you seem happy with your greenhouse. Would you go wth the same company again?</p>
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<p>What company?</p>
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<p>Did you need a builders permit?</p>
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<p>Are there problems with it?</p>
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<p>What to you use for heat, if…</p>
<p>We are consideting buying a geodesic dome greenhouse kit. I looked for that as a topic here and could not find it. Mostly, it's questions for Joan although anyone with knowledge can chime in or discuss. Please do!</p>
<p></p>
<p>Joan, you seem happy with your greenhouse. Would you go wth the same company again?</p>
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<p>What company?</p>
<p></p>
<p>Did you need a builders permit?</p>
<p></p>
<p>Are there problems with it?</p>
<p></p>
<p>What to you use for heat, if anything?</p>
<p></p>
<p>Do you get greens or vegetables mid winter?</p>
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<p>Does it overheat in summer?</p>
<p></p>
<p>Any problems with plant disease or bugs?</p>
<p></p>
<p>What plants do well? Which ones dont?</p>
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<p>Was it hard to put together?</p>
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<p>Thank you for any input!</p>
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<p></p> Sequester watertag:atheistnexus.org,2017-06-24:2182797:Topic:27531572017-06-24T18:50:45.679ZAnnie Thomashttp://atheistnexus.org/profile/AnnieThomas
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZC7A3621_hg#t=3.042923976" target="_blank">DIY Backyard Rainwater Harvesting Using Repurposed Food Grade Barrels</a></p>
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<p>I like the way this gardener sequesters water and the basic principles will work even for two barrels. We don't get enough rain in eastern Washington state to need all those barrels, but I would surely like a pair on the east and west side of the house. I like using rainwater, even for washing hair. It makes hair sparkle…</p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZC7A3621_hg#t=3.042923976" target="_blank">DIY Backyard Rainwater Harvesting Using Repurposed Food Grade Barrels</a></p>
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<p>I like the way this gardener sequesters water and the basic principles will work even for two barrels. We don't get enough rain in eastern Washington state to need all those barrels, but I would surely like a pair on the east and west side of the house. I like using rainwater, even for washing hair. It makes hair sparkle even when used with thick braids. I live in a forest far from polluting influences and I am not sure what the water contains from the polluted rain. </p> Soils need nourishment to create healthy plantstag:atheistnexus.org,2017-06-20:2182797:Topic:27529332017-06-20T19:26:21.663ZAnnie Thomashttp://atheistnexus.org/profile/AnnieThomas
<p></p>
<p>Experience teaches that the soil needs more than <b>N-P-K</b>: the three major nutrients needed for plant growth. “N” stands for Nitrogen, “P” stands for Phosphate (P2O2), and “K” stands for Potash (K2O). These are the chemical forms of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that are able to be absorbed by plants.</p>
<p>The other minerals needed are </p>
<blockquote><p><b>4. …</b></p>
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<p>Experience teaches that the soil needs more than <b>N-P-K</b>: the three major nutrients needed for plant growth. “N” stands for Nitrogen, “P” stands for Phosphate (P2O2), and “K” stands for Potash (K2O). These are the chemical forms of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that are able to be absorbed by plants.</p>
<p>The other minerals needed are </p>
<blockquote><p><b>4. </b><b><a href="http://www.spectrumanalytic.com/support/library/ff/Ca_Basics.htm">Calcium </a></b></p>
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<blockquote><p><b>5. Magnesium</b></p>
<p><b>6. Sulfur (S)</b></p>
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<blockquote><p><b>7. <a href="http://www.ncagr.gov/agronomi/MNSSSNC.htm">Manganese (<span class="SpellE">Mn</span>)</a></b></p>
<p><b>8. Iron</b></p>
<p><b>9. Copper</b></p>
<p><b>10. Zinc (Zn)</b></p>
<p><b>11. <a href="http://www.spectrumanalytic.com/support/library/ff/B_Basics.htm">Boron</a></b></p>
<p><b>12. Molybdenum </b></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote><p><b>13. <a href="http://www.spectrumanalytic.com/support/library/ff/Cl_Basics.htm">Chloride Cl</a></b></p>
<p></p>
<p><b>15. Other elements</b></p>
<p><b>Cobalt (Co)</b></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote><p><b>Vanadium (V)</b></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote><p><b>Sodium (Na)</b></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote><p><b>Silicon</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
</blockquote> Change the world one yard at a timetag:atheistnexus.org,2017-06-19:2182797:Topic:27526682017-06-19T22:58:43.798ZAnnie Thomashttp://atheistnexus.org/profile/AnnieThomas
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhFWoqak4uI&amp;list=PLApXYvbprElwCOe5gdtcOMiEMGRpUBb4e" target="_blank">Building Garden Soil with Free, Local, and Abundant Resources</a></p>
<blockquote><p><span>One Yard Revolution is all about growing a lot of food on a little land using sustainable organic methods, while keeping costs and labor at a minimum. Emphasis is placed on improving soil quality with compost, mulch, and compost tea. No store-bought fertilizers, soil amendments, pesticides,…</span></p>
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<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhFWoqak4uI&amp;list=PLApXYvbprElwCOe5gdtcOMiEMGRpUBb4e" target="_blank">Building Garden Soil with Free, Local, and Abundant Resources</a></p>
<blockquote><p><span>One Yard Revolution is all about growing a lot of food on a little land using sustainable organic methods, while keeping costs and labor at a minimum. Emphasis is placed on improving soil quality with compost, mulch, and compost tea. No store-bought fertilizers, soil amendments, pesticides, compost activators, etc. are used.</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>I grew gardens from Seattle, WA to Washington, DC, from Wildwood Station, Alaska, to Killeen, TX. The soils in each location had conditions that needed amendments. In Alaska, a group of Athabascan Indians took me to gather seaweed for my garden, in Texes I gathered cow pies from the free-range land. In Washington, DC, I found help getting leaves during autumn clean-up. In Seattle, WA. I gathered leaves and organic materials. </p>
<p>Each location offered opportunities to learn about soils, their composition, and the needs of plants of the area. With the help of Athabascans I grew 20 pound cabbages the first year of my garden grown from the tundra of the location. </p>
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